Colorado Hiking Elopement Near Winter Park

Picture the perfect August day in Northern Colorado for a hiking elopement. That’s exactly how this day panned out for these three.

Their wedding day started with a relaxing morning together at Devil’s Thumb Ranch near Winter Park, Colorado. This is a fantastic and luxurious getaway in the mountains (and perfect honeymoon or wedding destination).

After pampering themselves and getting ready for their day, we all met at a local restaurant for beers and soft pretzels, one of their favorite combinations! It was nice to sit and chat with them there, and slowly get everyone warmed up to the camera. Obviously their dog, Zoey, enjoyed the salty snack just as much as they did.

Off-Roading to the Trailhead

Then it came time to drive up into the mountains. We took a rocky nearby 4×4 road, spotting a moose along the way!

Before we arrived to the trailhead, we found an empty pull-off for them to get changed into their wedding attire and share a first look.

First looks are always such an exciting part of the wedding day, especially if you keep your wedding attire a surprise! Seeing your partner all dressed up for the first time always makes it all feel so real. And it’s fun to romanticize the moment!

Hiking to the Wedding Ceremony Location

After the first look, we continued to the trailhead. Time go hiking!

The mountains here in Northern Colorado are absolutely stunning. Filled with high alpine lakes, pine forests, and tons of wildflowers during the month of August. The scenery at this lake in particular looks straight out of a fairytale.

The most beautiful thing about an elopement is that you can usually decide the spot + timing for your ceremony! Enjoy wandering around and taking in the mountain scenery, and when the moment feels right, do your thing.

Intimate Elopement Ceremony

They found a perfect spot along the shoreline to exchange vows while Zoey sat perfectly right between them, just staring up at her parents. It was the cutest thing.

There was more hiking, stopping for a spontaneous picnic, and lots of taking in the incredible views spanning out in every direction.

Wedding Photos After Dark

The stars appeared for just a few moments before a cloud came up the mountain and swept away our view. There was wedding cake enjoyed by lantern light, and they even broke out a fancy Clue game board. What would become their wedding day tradition.

The whole day was so them. As a wedding day should be.

Colorado Wedding Vendor Shoutout

Hair & Makeup by Peyton Short at The Salon at Winter Park

Rings by Brilliant Earth

Photography by Story Maker Photo

Winter Park, Colorado Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Amber! Northern Colorado wedding and elopement photographer ready to help you have a wedding day that’s meaningful to you.

Learn more about my micro wedding and elopement offerings here, and then fill out the inquiry form to start dreaming up your day!

RELATED POSTS